Connecting 32 amp socket to cooker circuit

[BigDave2589]

Is it safe to connect a 32 amp socket to a cooker circuit.
I have been offered a welding set at a good price, but it has a 240v 32amp plug fitted, we have a power point for an electric cooker which we do not use, is it possible to remove this and replace it with a 32 amp socket? the fuse on the circuit is 32 amp.

 

[sparkyspike]

Yes. Obviously check that the cable is heavy enough for 32A. It probably will be if it was for a 32A cooker circuit.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

You might want to check that the welder is OK in a Type B breaker, and measure your fault loop resistance to see if you can fit a Type C if needed.

 

[jason1958]

One suggestion...
- Domestic sockets are shuttered against young prying fingers.
- BS4343/Ceeform are unshuttered pins which remain live without a switch.

You can get Interlocked Switch Sockets quite cheaply.
Basically a rotary switch & BS4343 socket combined, where the switch will not put power to an empty socket and could even be locked off (cable tie).

They do not cost much more (ones with integral RCD do cost far more).

 

[BigDave2589]

Thank you all for your advice, I'm getting an electrician in to install the socket.

 

[holmslaw]

..

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Assuming you are not going to be welding in your kitchen.

I'm sure I saw this Heston Blumenthal programme once....

 

[GaryMo]

And assuming you will be welding outside the house, the welder should be protected with a 30mA RCD.

Depending on type of cable installed and installation method (thinking t&e installed at a depth of less than 50mm), he may require an RCD anyway.

 

[holmslaw]

..

 

[GaryMo]

This work will more than likely require an EIC due to change of use of the circuit and characteristics of the protective device so you'll have to be happy when signing off the certificate that its compliant.

 

[holmslaw]

..

 

[GaryMo]

So you would change a domestic consumer unit and not give thought to protecting existing lighting circuits with a 30mA RCD?

 

[ban-all-sheds]

All I'm saying is there is no way of checking the depth of cables or whether they are in conduit or whatever - without ripping the house apart. And in any case it is irrelevent as the regs are not retroactive.

50mm deep if not in a zone and not mechanically protected was also a requirement of the 16th....

 

[holmslaw]

..

 

[ban-all-sheds]

rcds (double pole ones ONLY until 2013)